Board meetings, strategic plans, and buyer signals from Jennifer A. Ortiz’s organization
Jun 30, 2026·BoardMeeting
Board
Amherst School Committee Meeting Minutes
The committee held a meeting to discuss various agenda items, including public comment regarding the superintendent's resignation and the conduct of recent committee meetings. The primary business was the superintendent's evaluation, which involved reviewing a composite evaluation document, discussing ratings, and formalizing the final summative rating as "Needs Improvement." Additionally, the committee addressed a policy correction regarding notification timelines for restraint, timeout, or seclusion, and planned future agenda items, including an upcoming committee retreat to discuss the superintendent search process.
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The committee discussed and approved the FY27 budget reallocation, which involved increasing specific cost centers while offsetting these with decreases in others. The committee voted to relinquish the South Amherst Campus School to the Town of Amherst. Additionally, the committee urged the administration to apply for Community Preservation Act funding for the renovation of the Crocker Farm playground and discussed the potential development of a community volunteer tutoring program to address academic gaps.
Jun 16, 2026·BoardMeeting
Board
Amherst School Committee Meeting Minutes
The Committee discussed updates regarding K-6 restructuring, including readiness reports and traffic planning, alongside lease negotiations for the Chestnut Street Academy. Public comments were received concerning special education support and staff training programs. The Committee approved the acceptance of monetary gifts and reviewed the budget, specifically allocating additional Town Council funds to intervention teaching positions and reallocating resources for specialist paraprofessional support. The meeting also included a vote to relinquish the Wildwood Elementary School property to the town, updates on the Caminantes dual language program review, curriculum evaluations for mathematics and literacy, and progress reports on student safety and well-being initiatives.
May 19, 2026·BoardMeeting
Board
Amherst School Committee Meeting
The committee reviewed updates from the Chair and Superintendent regarding Finance Committee interactions, K-6 restructuring plans, and construction impacts at Amethyst Brook. Discussion topics included the design and oversight of reflection rooms, acceptance of various gifts and grants, and a review of the Q3 financial report. The committee addressed the potential relinquishment of the Wildwood Elementary School building, debated participation in the FY27 school choice program, and received a presentation on the Chestnut Street Academy daily schedule. Additionally, the committee discussed student safety policies, the status of an independent investigation into seclusion room practices, and decided to maintain current school start times for the upcoming academic year.
Extracted from official board minutes, strategic plans, and video transcripts.
